1. SAINTS ON TOP
‘St Kilda sit on top of the ladder’ was not a phrase that was entertained by many prior to the 2019 Season.
But for Easter Sunday at least, the red, white and black are in top spot.
Defying expectation has been a major subplot in the Saints’ season so far, and while the victory over the Dees fits the bill perfectly, their overall position in first place is the ultimate testament to that.
It’s been an explosive start to the season for Alan Richardson’s men, with just the one loss to Fremantle the only blemish.
While it’s still incredibly early in the season, the upper echelons of the ladder is certainly a great place to start.
2. DEAN DELIVERS
Three goals, Dean Kent.
Perhaps one goal for each of the Brownlow votes he could receive after his impressive performance against his former side.
An unselfish handball over the top from Jack Newnes gifted Kent his first from the goal square – which he fittingly booted into the top deck of the MCG – but from then on, the new recruit took matters into his own hands.
Burning off James Harmes in the pocket with a brilliant burst of speed thrust Kent on the scoreboard once again, before he capped off his performance with a set shot from the opposite flank.
The pair of goals in the third term helped the Saints split open the Dees and set up a commanding 39-point lead.
Kent’s influence didn’t end there, with the new dangerman racking up eight score involvements, five inside 50s and 20 disposals to go alongside his handy bag.
And while Membrey was the dominant forward on the ground with four majors, the ex-Demon’s influence around forward 50 was just as damaging.
Welcome to the Saints, Dean.
3. BACKS STAND TALL
While it’s easy to pin success on a dominant midfield or a firing forward line – both of which were in full effect on Saturday afternoon – the defence is often unsung.
St Kilda’s new-look backline stood proud however, with their excellent structure and class across four quarters limiting the Dees to just seven goals for the afternoon.
Melbourne’s hesitancy and execution going forward was a product of the Saints’ pressure, enabling the resolute defence to cut off their entries and launch into attack.
Shane Savage was at his absolute best with 27 disposals at 89 per cent efficiency, seven rebound 50s and a team-high 443 metres gained across half-back.
Fifth-gamer Ben Paton showed composure beyond his years with 23 touches, six rebound 50s and a series of pivotal spoils, newly re-signed rookie Callum Wilkie made his impact with a game-high eight marks and defensive rocks Josh Battle and Nathan Brown held the fort down.
For a backline missing two of its greatest assets in Dylan Roberton and Jake Carlisle, they’re certainly holding their own.
4. NEXT LEVEL
There was no doubt that both sides wanted to make a statement from the get-go.
Guernseys were torn and helmets were flying within the game’s opening minutes, but the Saints were the ones whose physicality was the most telling.
Whenever a blue jumper ended up with hands on the footy, they were instantly swamped by a surge of white-clad aggressors, before either panicking under pressure or being driven into the turf to the sound of the St Kilda faithful’s roars.
The Saints seemed to hit another gear in the third quarter, extending its run to eight goals off the back of ascendancy in the inside 50s (11-18) and clearances (8-11).
Melbourne found itself virtually on par with their opposition’s clearance (31-34), tackle (54-58) and inside 50 (55-47) count, but all were offset by St Kilda’s harrowing presence around the contest.
Despite Max Gawn’s hit-out dominance (49-16) giving his mids first use, the swarming armada of Jack Steele (eight tackles), Seb Ross (six) and Blake Acres (six) prevented the Dees from reaching their peak.
In contrast to their highly intense play, the Saints were able to find ample space when surging forward, leaving the Demons in their wake as they booted 15 goals to close out the game.
5. MEMBREY’S MELBOURNE MAGIC
Tim Membrey, take a bow.
Eight marks (four contested) and four tackles complemented the big man’s four majors, with his aerial dominance and prolific kicking leaving the Dees’ defenders all at sea.
Membrey couldn’t put so much as a foot wrong as he steered his side to victory, besting his opposition at virtually every turn and working well in tandem with Josh Bruce (two goals) and the Saints’ smalls.
The key forward seems to reap the rewards when playing against the red and blue, with Membrey booting 23 goals from eight games.
Membrey bagged nine goals across two matches in 2016, complementing his match-winning four-goal bag in last season’s victory over the Demons.
